Tamika and Reggie celebrated their upcoming nuptials with a classy engagement session in Downtown Columbia, South Carolina, featuring a glamorous blue dress!
The couple, who first met on Facebook, had an immediate connection. They fell in love and in October 2021, they even got engaged! However, it wasn’t quite their time to say “I do” yet.
Tamika shared, “After our engagement, many trials came about which revealed to me that we were not ready for marriage. So, I decided to call off the engagement. Unfortunately, in March 2022, we broke up.”
This could have been the end of their love story, but God had other plans. In May 2022, they decided to give dating another try and took a different approach.
“We learned how to communicate our differences,” Tamika revealed. “We learned to trust, value, and respect one another. Overall, we functioned much better, were healthier, and happier as a couple. LIFE WAS GOOD!”
Fast forward to June 17th, 2023, a romantic date night at Halls Chop House in Columbia, SC, became even more special with a surprise proposal from Reggie. With friends and family watching on in awe, Tamika said YES!
The couple will be tying the knot tomorrow Sunday, January 28th, 2024, at the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter South Carolina in a “Winter Wonderland” themed wedding. (We’re sure more lovely blue hues will make an appearance at their wedding!).
Keep scrolling for more details on their love story and extra photos from their joyful engagement session captured by Shot By Shante Photography.
- Couple: Tamika James & Reginald (Reggie) Hastie
- Occupations: Reginald is a Master Hair Care Barber & Owner of “Red Knows Cuts” | Tamika is a 7th Grade Special Education Teacher at Furman Middle School
- Wedding Date: January 28, 2024
- Wedding Location: New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Sumter SC
How did you meet?
Reggie and I met through FaceBook. Reggie sent me an “I’m just speaking” message through Messenger.
How was your first date?
On our first date, we went to “My House Bar and Grill” in Columbia, SC. I picked that place because I wanted our evening to be laid back. I wanted us to laugh, talk, dance, and eat good food all at once. We didn’t have the pressure of feeling the need to make a “first impression.” We had a great date.
When did you know they were “the one”?
Tamika: “I knew he was the one when I saw a change for the better within him. He made the necessary changes to be with me. There was so much growth and maturity within him.
Reginald: “I knew she was the one when I prayed and asked God for a woman and HE SENT ME HER. I knew she was the one when I wanted to change and become a better man because of her.”
Tell us your Proposal Story:
On June 17, 2023, we went out for our “Date Night.” He took me to Halls Chop House in Columbia, SC. The ambiance and hospitality of the staff was simply AMAZING! The hostess led us to our table.
As I turned the corner and looked to my right I saw some of my close family and friends. I WAS STARTLED!! I turned around to Reggie to ask what was going on and there he was standing with an opened little black box in his hand. It revealed a beautiful diamond ring.
I was in such shock that I started screaming and backing away in disbelief. After I settled, and mumbled for him to get on one knee (that’s just the proper way for me), he asked the big question, WILL YOU MARRY ME? Needless to say, I SAID YES!
Describe Engagement Session:
Our engagement session was so intimate, engaging, and fun. It captured our happiness and the authenticity of OUR LOVE.
Our wedding theme is “Winter Wonderland”
What’s your favorite thing to do together?
Our favorite thing to do as a couple is cooking together. We play some music. We laugh, sing, and dance as we’re cooking.
Wedding Planning:
Wedding planning has been exciting and a bit overwhelming for me. After much stress and exhaustion, I decided to book a wedding coordinator/director. Nonetheless, I still continued to plan my own wedding. LOL. I know exactly what I want and how I want them. I find comfort in doing my own wedding plans. Things are coming together beautifully.
What are you looking forward to most on your wedding day?
On my wedding day, I am looking forward to “my walk down the aisle” to my future husband.
Looking for more blue inspiration?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Photographer: Shot By Shante Photography
- MUA: Beats II Beauty Makeup Studio
- Hair: Perfections By Porsha
This is soooo elegant & classy….and in beautiful downtown Cola no less!